During 2012, Roux and Jonathan Gouveris completed seven half iron man events en route from Johannesburg to East London before racing in the official Iron Man 70.3 event. Together, they created The Cool Runnings Charity Drive and this would be the second time The Sunflower Fund has been chosen as their “charity of choice”. In 2015, De Klerk has replaced Gouveris due to family commitments.

Throughout their epic journey, Roux and De Klerk will raise awareness and funds for sufferers of leukaemia and other life-threatening blood disorders to assist The Sunflower Fund in growing the South African Bone Marrow Registry (SABMR). Roux, a prominent Johannesburg defence attorney who is well known for his multiple TV and radio appearances during the Oscar Pistorius Trial, is an Ambassador of Hope for The Sunflower Fund.

He describes their purpose as follows: “We endeavour to be part of an answer to the challenges facing many leukaemia patients. This epic tour honours their journey and any donations will enable The Sunflower Fund to ultimately save more lives.”

The Sunflower Fund specifically raises funds to expand the database of potential bone marrow stem cell donors. This will offer hope to patients and give them the chance of finding a matching donor, irrespective of race or financial circumstances.

The Sunflower Fund appeals to the South African public to offer their support and sponsor these two brave and rather unorthodox athletes in their quest to complete this gruelling challenge.
Tarryn Corlett, CEO of The Sunflower Fund explains: “If South Africans sponsor a small amount each, it would all add up and help us pay the R2000 for each donor willing to join the Registry. You may be the one to make a difference in someone’s life.”

It is not the amount which matters, “your small change can make a big change”. It’s so simple; all one needs to do is make a donation then encourage one’s friends, family and colleagues to contribute to the Cool Runnings Team. Collectively everyone can make a big difference. If one would like to support this epic challenge, please email [email protected] or phone Philna Boonzaaier on 084 501 2713.

For additional information on becoming a bone marrow stem cell donor, phone Lauren Corlett at The Sunflower Fund toll-free on 0800 12 10 82 or email [email protected].